The Digital Video Interface (DVI) was developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) to create a digital interface based on Silicon Image's Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) technology. DVI was the first digital standard specifically created for TMDS (HDMI also supports it). DVI is a purely digital connection that allows display manufacturers to design products, which provide extremely sharp and clear images. The maximum resolution for DVI single link is 1920X1080 at 60 Hz (HDTV). Due to the varying DVI chipsets, there is no maximum cable length guarantees when hooking up equipment. This maximum could be anywhere from 20 feet to 50 feet.

Connector

The DVI connector usually contains pins to pass the DVI-native digital video signals. In the case of dual-link systems, additional pins are provided for the second set of data signals.

The DVI connector on a device is therefore given one of three names, depending on which signals it implements:

• DVI-D (digital only)

DVI-D cables are used for direct digital connections between source video (namely, video cards) and digital LCD (or rare CRT) monitors. This provides a faster, higher-quality image than with analog, due to the nature of the digital format. All video cards initially produce a digital video signal, which is converted into analog at the VGA output. The analog signal travels to the monitor and is re-converted back into a digital signal. DVI-D eliminates the analog conversion process and improves the connection between source and display

• DVI-A (analog only)

DVI-A cables are used to carry a DVI signal to an analog display, such as a CRT monitor or an HDTV. Although some signal quality is lost from the digital to analog conversion, it still transmits a higher quality picture than standard VGA

• DVI-I (digital and analog)

DVI-I cables are integrated cables which are capable of transmitting either a digital-to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal. This makes it a more versatile cable, being usable in either digital or analog situations